Fungicidal composition comprising a pyridylethylbenzamide derivative and a compound capable of inhibiting the spores germination or mycelium growth by acting on different metabolic routes

ABSTRACT

A composition comprising at least a pyridylethylbenzamide derivative of general formula (I)(a) and a compound capable of inhibiting the spores germination or mycelium growth by acting on different metabolic routes (b) in a (a)/(b) weight ratio of from 0.01 to 20. 
     A composition further comprising an additional fungicidal compound. 
     A method for preventively or curatively combating the phytopathogenic fungi of crops by using this composition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a 35 U.S.C. §371 national phase conversion of PCT/EP2005/002566 filed Feb. 10, 2005, which claims priority of EP Application No. 04356017.6 filed Feb. 12, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/636,898 filed Dec. 18, 2004.

The present invention relates to novel fungicide compositions comprising a pyridylethylbenzamide derivative and a compound capable of inhibiting the spores germination or mycelium growth by acting on different metabolic routes. The present invention also relates to a method of combating or controlling phytopathogenic fungi by applying at a locus infested or liable to be infested such a composition.

International patent application WO 01/11965 generically discloses numerous pyridylethylbenzamide derivatives. The possibility of combining one or more of these numerous pyridylethylbenzamide derivatives with known fungicidal products to develop a fungicidal activity is disclosed in general terms, without any specific example or biological data.

It is always of high-interest in agriculture to use novel pesticidal mixtures showing a synergistic effect in order notably to avoid or to control the development of resistant strains to the active ingredients or to the mixtures of known active ingredients used by the farmer while minimizing the doses of chemical products spread in the environment and reducing the cost of the treatment.

We have now found some novel fungicidal compositions which possess the above mentioned characteristics.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a composition comprising:

a) a pyridylethylbenzamide derivative of general formula (I)

in which:

-   -   p is an integer equal to 1, 2, 3 or 4;     -   q is an integer equal to 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5;     -   each substituent X is chosen, independently of the others, as         being halogen, alkyl or haloalkyl;     -   each substituent Y is chosen, independently of the others, as         being halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy,         amino, phenoxy, alkylthio, dialkylamino, acyl, cyano, ester,         hydroxy, aminoalkyl, benzyl, haloalkoxy, halosulphonyl,         halothioalkyl, alkoxyalkenyl, alkylsulphonamide, nitro,         alkylsulphonyl, phenylsulphonyl or benzylsulphonyl;         and the N-oxides of 2pyridine thereof; and         (b) a compound capable of inhibiting the spores germination or         mycelium growth by acting on different metabolic routes;         in an (a)/(b) weight ratio of from 0.01 to 20.

In the context of the present invention:

-   -   halogen means chlorine, bromine, iodine or fluorine;     -   each of the alkyl or acyl radicals present in the molecule         contains from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 7         carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and may         be linear or branched;     -   each of the alkenyl or alkynyl radicals present in the molecule         contains from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 7         carbon atoms, more preferably from 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and may         be linear or branched.

The composition according to the present invention provides a synergistic effect. This synergistic effect allows a reduction of the chemical substances spread into the environment and a reduction of the cost of the fungal treatment.

In the context of the present invention, the term “synergistic effect” is defined by Colby according to the article entitled “Calculation of the synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combinations” Weeds, (1967), 15, pages 20-22.

The latter article mentions the formula:

$E = {x + y - \frac{x*y}{100}}$ in which E represents the expected percentage of inhibition of the disease for the combination of the two fungicides at defined doses (for example equal to x and y respectively), x is the percentage of inhibition observed for the disease by the compound (I) at a defined dose (equal to x), y is the percentage of inhibition observed for the disease by the compound (II) at a defined dose (equal to y). When the percentage of inhibition observed for the combination is greater than E, there is a synergistic effect.

The composition according to the present invention comprises a pyridylethylbenzamide derivative of general formula (I). Preferably, the present invention relates to a composition comprising a pyridylethylbenzamide derivative of general formula (I) in which the different characteristics may be chosen alone or in combination as being:

-   -   as regards p, p is 2;     -   as regards q, q is 1 or 2. More preferably, q is 2;     -   as regards X, X is chosen, independently of the others, as being         halogen or haloalkyl. More preferably, X is chosen,         independently of the others, as being a chlorine atom or a         trifluoromethyl group;     -   as regards Y, Y is chosen, independently of the others, as being         halogen or haloalkyl. More preferably, Y is chosen,         independently of the others, as being a chlorine atom or a         trifluoromethyl group;

More preferably, the pyridylethylbenzamide derivative of general formula (I) present in the composition of the present invention is:

-   N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide     (compound 1); -   N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-iodobenzamide     (compound 2); or -   N-{2-[3,5-dichloro-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide     (compound 3).

Even more preferably, the pyridylethylbenzamide derivative of general formula (I) present in the composition of the present invention is N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (compound 1).

The composition according to the present invention comprises a compound capable of inhibiting the spores germination or mycelium growth by acting on different metabolic routes. Preferably, the present invention relates to a composition comprising a compound capable of inhibiting the spores germination or mycelium growth by acting on different metabolic routes selected from dicarboximide derivatives, phthalimide derivatives, 2-butoxy-6-iodo-3-propyl-benzopyran-4-one, 2,6-dichloro-N-{[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]methyl}benzamide, (Z)-N-[α-(cyclopropylmethoxyimino)-2,3-difluoro-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]-2-phenylacetamide, (RS)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-[3-methoxy-4-(prop-2-ynyloxy)phenethyl]-2-(prop-2-ynyloxy)acetamide, 6-iodo-2-propoxy-3-propylquinazolin-4(3H)-one, benalaxyl, benthiavalicarb, chlorothalonil, copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride, copper sulfate, copper sulfate (tribasic), cuprous oxide, cymoxanil, diclomezine, dichlofluanid, dithianon, dimethomorph, dodine, ethaboxam, fenpiclonil, fentin, ferbam, fluazinam, fludioxonil, flusulfamide, guazatine, iminoctadine, mancopper, mancozeb, maneb, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M, metiram, methasulfocarb, nabam, nickel bis(dimethyldithiocarbamate), iprovalicarb, oxine-copper, propamocarb, propineb, quinoxyfen, sulfur, silthiofam, thiram, tolylfluanid, triazoxide, validamycin, zinged, ziram, phosphorous acid and fosetyl-Al. 2-butoxy-6-iodo-3-propyl-benzopyran-4-one, 2,6-dichloro-N-{[3-chloro-5-(tri-fluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]methyl}benzamide, chlorotalonil, iprovalicarb, mancozeb, propamocarb and fosetyl-Al are preferred.

According to the present invention, dicarboximide derivatives may for example be chlozolinate, iprodione, procymidone or vinclozolin. Iprodione and are still preferred.

According to the present invention, phthalimide derivatives may for example be captafol, captan, folpet, thiochlorfenphim. Captan and folpet are preferred.

The composition according to the present invention comprises (a) at least a pyridylethylbenzamide derivative of general formula (I) and (b) a compound capable of inhibiting the spores germination or mycelium growth by acting on different metabolic routes in an (a)/(b) weight ratio of from 0.01 to 20; preferably of from 0.05 to 10; even more preferably, of from 0.1 to 5.

The composition of the present invention may further comprise at least one other different fungicide active ingredient (c).

The fungicidal active ingredient (c) may be selected from azaconazole, azoxystrobin, (Z)-N-[α-(cyclopropylmethoxyimino)-2,3-difluoro-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]-2-phenylacetamide, 6-iodo-2-propoxy-3-propylquinazolin-4(3H)-one, 6-iodo-2-propoxy-3-propylquinazolin-4(3H)-one, benalaxyl, benomyl, benthiavalicarb, biphenyl, bitertanol, blasticidin-S, boscalid, borax, bromuconazole, bupirimate, sec-butylamine, calcium polysulfide, captafol, captan, carbendazim, carboxin, carpropamid, chinomethionat, chlorothalonil, chlozolinate, copper hydroxide, copper octanoate, copper oxychloride, copper sulfate, cuprous oxide, cyazofamid, cymoxanil, cyproconazole, cyprodinil, dazomet, debacarb, dichlofluanid, dichlorophen, diclobutrazole, diclocymet, diclomezine, dicloran, diethofencarb, difenoconazole, difenzoquat metilsulfate, difenzoquat, diflumetorim, dimethirimol, dimethomorph, diniconazole, dinobuton, dinocap, diphenylamine, dithianon, dodemorph, dodemorph acetate, dodine, edifenphos, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, ethaboxam, ethirimol, ethoxyquin, etridiazole, famoxadone, fenamidone, fenarimol, fenbuconazole, fenfuram, fenhexamid, fenpiclonil, fenoxanil, fenpropidin, fenpropimorph, fentin, fentin hydroxide, fentin acetate, ferbam, ferimzone, fluazinam, fludioxonil, fluoroimide, fluoxastrobin, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flusulfamide, flutolanil, flutriafol, folpet, formaldehyde, fosetyl, fosetyl-aluminium, fuberidazole, furalaxyl, furametpyr, guazatine, guazatine acetates, hexachlorobenzene, hexaconazole, 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, potassium hydroxyquinoline sulfate, hymexazol, imazalil sulfate, imazalil, imibenconazole, iminoctadine, iminoctadine triacetate, ipconazole, iprobenfos, iprodione, iprovalicarb, isoprothiolane, kasugamycin, kasugamycin hydrochloride hydrate, kresoxim-methyl, mancopper, mancozeb, maneb, mepanipyrim, mepronil, mercuric chloride, mercuric oxide, mercurous chloride, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M, metam-sodium, metam, metconazole, methasulfocarb, methyl isothiocyanate, metiram, metominostrobin, mildiomycin, myclobutanil, nabam, nickel bis(dimethyldithiocarbamate), nitrothal-isopropyl, nuarimol, octhilinone, ofurace, oleic acid, oxadixyl, oxine-copper, oxpoconazole fumarate, oxycarboxin, pefurazoate, penconazole, pencycuron, pentachlorophenol, sodium pentachlorophenoxide, pentachlorophenyl laurate, phenylmercury acetate, sodium 2-phenylphenoxide, 2-phenylphenol, phosphorous acid, phthalide, picoxystrobin, piperalin, polyoxinspolyoxin B, polyoxin, polyoxorim, probenazole, prochloraz, procymidone, propamocarb hydrochloride, propamocarb, propiconazole, propineb, prothioconazole, pyraclostrobin, pyrazophos, pyributicarb, pyrifenox, pyrimethanil, pyroquilon, quinoxyfen, quintozene, silthiofam, simeconazole, spiroxamine, sulfur, tar oils, tebuconazole, tecnazene, tetraconazole, thiabendazole, thifluzamide, thiophanate-methyl, thiram, tolclofos-methyl, tolylfluanid, triadimefon, triadimenol, triazoxide, tricyclazole, tridemorph, trifloxystrobin, triflumizole, triforine, triticonazole, validamycin, vinclozolin, zineb, ziram and, zoxamide.

Preferably, fungicidal active ingredient (c) is selected from diethofencarb, hexaconazole, cyprodinil, tebuconazole and bromuconazole.

Where the third active ingredient (c) as defined above is present in the composition, this compound may be present in an amount of (a):(b):(c) weight ratio of from 1:0.01:0.01 to 1:20:20; the ratios of compound (a) and compound (c) varying independently from each other. Preferably, the (a):(b):(c) weight ratio may be offrom 1:0.05:0.05 to 1:10:10.

Following compositions may be cited to illustrate in a non-limited manner the present invention: compound 1 with 2-butoxy-6-iodo-3-propyl-benzopyran-4-one, compound 1 with 2,6-dichloro-N-{[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]methyl}benzamide, compound 1 with (Z)-N-[α-(cyclopropylmethoxyimino)-2,3-difluoro-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]-2-phenylacetamide, compound 1 with (RS)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-[3-methoxy-4-(prop-2-ynyloxy)phenethyl]-2-(prop-2-ynyloxy)acetamide, compound 1 6-iodo-2-propoxy-3-propylquinazolin-4(3H)-one, compound 1 with benalaxyl, compound 1 with benthiavalicarb, compound 1 with chlorothalonil, compound 1 with copper hydroxide, compound 1 with copper oxychloride, compound 1 with copper sulfate, compound 1 with copper sulfate (tribasic), compound 1 with cuprous oxide, compound 1 with cymoxanil, compound 1 with diclomezine, compound 1 with dichlofluanid, compound 1 with dithianon, compound 1 with dimethomorph, compound 1 with dodine, compound 1 with ethaboxam, compound 1 with fenpiclonil, compound 1 with fentin, compound 1 with ferbam, compound 1 with fluazinam, compound 1 with fludioxonil, compound 1 with flusulfamide, compound 1 with guazatine, compound 1 with iminoctadine, compound 1 with mancopper, compound 1 with mancozeb, compound 1 with maneb, compound 1 with metalaxyl, compound 1 with metalaxyl-M, compound 1 with metiram, compound 1 with methasulfocarb, compound 1 with nabam, compound 1 with nickel bis(dimethyldithiocarbamate), compound 1 with iprovalicarb, compound 1 with oxine-copper, compound 1 with propamocarb, compound 1 with propineb, compound 1 with quinoxyfen, compound I with sulfur, compound 1 with silthiofam, compound 1 with thiram, compound 1 with tolylfluanid, compound 1 with triazoxide, compound 1 with validamycin, compound 1 with zineb, compound 1 with ziram, compound 1 with phosphorous acid, compound 1 with fosetyl-Al, compound 1 with chlozolinate, compound 1 with iprodione, compound 1 with procymidone, compound 1 with vinclozolin, compound 1 with captafol, compound 1 with captan, compound 1 with folpet, compound 1 with thiochlorfenphim, compound 2 with 2-butoxy-6-iodo-3-propyl-benzopyran-4-one, compound 2 with 2,6-dichloro-N-{[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]methyl}benzamide, compound 2 with (Z)-N-[α-(cyclopropylmethoxyimino)-2,3-difluoro-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]-2-phenylacetamide, compound 2 with (RS)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-[3-methoxy-4-(prop-2-ynyloxy)phenethyl]-2-(prop-2-ynyloxy)acetamide, compound 2 6-iodo-2-propoxy-3-propylquinazolin-4(3H)-one, compound 2 with benalaxyl, compound 2 with benthiavalicarb, compound 2 with chlorothalonil, compound 2 with copper hydroxide, compound 2 with copper oxychloride, compound 2 with copper sulfate, compound 2 with copper sulfate (tribasic), compound 2 with cuprous oxide, compound 2 with cymoxanil, compound 2 with diclomezine, compound 2 with dichlofluanid, compound 2 with dithianon, compound 2 with dimethomorph, compound 2 with dodine, compound 2 with ethaboxam, compound 2 with fenpiclonil, compound 2 with fentin, compound 2 with ferbam, compound 2 with fluazinam, compound 2 with fludioxonil, compound 2 with flusulfamide, compound 2 with guazatine, compound 2 with iminoctadine, compound 2 with mancopper, compound 2 with mancozeb, compound 2 with maneb, compound 2 with metalaxyl, compound 2 with metalaxyl-M, compound 2 with metiram, compound 2 with methasulfocarb, compound 2 with nabam, compound 2 with nickel bis(dimethyldithiocarbamate), compound 2 with iprovalicarb, compound 2 with oxine-copper, compound 2 with propamocarb, compound 2 with propineb, compound 2 with quinoxyfen, compound 2 with sulfur, compound 2 with silthiofam, compound 2 with thiram, compound 2 with tolylfluanid, compound 2 with triazoxide, compound 2 with validamycin, compound 2 with zineb, compound 2 with ziram, compound 2 with phosphorous acid, compound 2 with fosetyl-Al, compound 2 with chlozolinate, compound 2 with iprodione, compound 2 with procymidone, compound 2 with vinclozolin, compound 2 with captafol, compound 2 with captan, compound 2 with folpet, compound 2 with thiochlorfenphim, compound 3 with 2-butoxy-6-iodo-3-propyl-benzopyran-4-one, compound 3 with 2,6-dichloro-N-{[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]methyl}benzamide, compound 3 with (Z)-N-[α-(cyclopropylmethoxyimino)-2,3-difluoro-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]-2-phenylacetamide, compound 3 with (RS)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-[3-methoxy-4-(prop-2-ynyloxy)phenethyl]-2-(prop-2-ynyloxy)acetamide, compound 3 6-iodo-2-propoxy-3-propylquinazolin-4(3H)-one, compound 3 with benalaxyl, compound 3 with benthiavalicarb, compound 3 with chlorothalonil, compound 3 with copper hydroxide, compound 3 with copper oxychloride, compound 3 with copper sulfate, compound 3 with copper sulfate (tribasic), compound 3 with cuprous oxide, compound 3 with cymoxanil, compound 3 with diclomezine, compound 3 with dichlofluanid, compound 3 with dithianon, compound 3 with dimethomorph, compound 3 with dodine, compound 3 with ethaboxam, compound 3 with fenpiclonil, compound 3 with fentin, compound 3 with ferbam, compound 3 with fluazinam, compound 3 with fludioxonil, compound 3 with flusulfamide, compound 3 with guazatine, compound 3 with iminoctadine, compound 3 with mancopper, compound 3 with mancozeb, compound 3 with maneb, compound 3 with metalaxyl, compound 3 with metalaxyl-M, compound 3 with metiram, compound 3 with methasulfocarb, compound 3 with nabam, compound 3 with nickel bis(dimethyldithiocarbamate), compound 3 with iprovalicarb, compound 3 with oxine-copper, compound 3 with propamocarb, compound 3 with propineb, compound 3 with quinoxyfen, compound 3 with sulfur, compound 3 with silthiofam, compound 3 with thiram, compound 3 with tolylfluanid, compound 3 with triazoxide, compound 3 with validamycin, compound 3 with zineb, compound 3 with ziram, compound 3 with phosphorous acid, compound 3 with fosetyl-Al, compound 3 with chlozolinate, compound 3 with iprodione, compound 3 with procymidone, compound 3 with vinclozolin, compound 3 with captafol, compound 3 with captan, compound 3 with folpet, compound 3 with thiochlorfenphim

The composition according to the present invention may further comprise an other additional component such as an agriculturally acceptable support, carrier or filler.

In the present specification, the term “support” denotes a natural or synthetic, organic or inorganic material with which the active material is combined to make it easier to apply, notably to the parts of the plant. This support is thus generally inert and should be agriculturally acceptable. The support may be a solid or a liquid. Examples of suitable supports include clays, natural or synthetic silicates, silica, resins, waxes, solid fertilisers, water, alcohols, in particular butanol, organic solvents, mineral and plant oils and derivatives thereof. Mixtures of such supports may also be used.

The composition may also comprise other additional components. In particular, the composition may further comprise a surfactant. The surfactant can be an emulsifier, a dispersing agent or a wetting agent of ionic or non-ionic type or a mixture of such surfactants. Mention may be made, for example, of polyacrylic acid salts, lignosulphonic acid salts, phenolsulphonic or naphthalenesulphonic acid salts, polycondensates of ethylene oxide with fatty alcohols or with fatty acids or with fatty amines, substituted phenols (in particular alkylphenols or arylphenols), salts of sulphosuccinic acid esters, taurine derivatives (in particular alkyl taurates), phosphoric esters of polyoxyethylated alcohols or phenols, fatty acid esters of polyols, and derivatives of the above compounds containing sulphate, sulphonate and phosphate functions. The presence of at least one surfactant is generally essential when the active material and/or the inert support are water-insoluble and when the vector agent for the application is water. Preferably, surfactant content may be comprised between 5% and 40% by weight of the composition.

Additional components may also be included, e.g. protective colloids, adhesives, thickeners, thixotropic agents, penetration agents, stabilisers, sequestering agents. More generally, the active materials can be combined with any solid or liquid additive, which complies with the usual formulation techniques.

In general, the composition according to the invention may contain from 0.05 to 99% (by weight) of active material, preferably 10 to 70% by weight.

Compositions according to the present invention can be used in various forms such as aerosol dispenser, capsule suspension, cold fogging concentrate, dustable powder, emulsifiable concentrate, emulsion oil in water, emulsion water in oil, encapsulated granule, fine granule, flowable concentrate for seed treatment, gas (under pressure), gas generating product, granule, hot fogging concentrate, macrogranule, microgranule, oil dispersible powder, oil miscible flowable concentrate, oil miscible liquid, paste, plant rodlet, powder for dry seed treatment, seed coated with a pesticide, soluble concentrate, soluble powder, solution for seed treatment, suspension concentrate (flowable concentrate), ultra low volume (ulv) liquid, ultra low volume (ulv) suspension, water dispersible granules or tablets, water dispersible powder for slurry treatment, water soluble granules or tablets, water soluble powder for seed treatment and wettable powder.

These compositions include not only compositions which are ready to be applied to the plant or seed to be treated by means of a suitable device, such as a spraying or dusting device, but also concentrated commercial compositions which must be diluted before they are applied to the crop.

The fungicidal compositions of the present invention can be used to curatively or preventively control phytopathogenic fungi of crops. Thus, according to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preventively or curatively controlling phytopathogenic fungi of crops characterised in that a fungicidal composition as herein before defined is applied to the seed, the plant and/or to the fruit of the plant or to the soil in which the plant is growing or in which it is desired to grow.

The composition as used against phytopathogenic fungi of crops comprises an effective and non-phytotoxic amount of an active material of general formula (I).

The expression “effective and non-phytotoxic amount” means an amount of composition according to the invention which is sufficient to control or destroy the fungi present or liable to appear on the crops, and which does not entail any appreciable symptom of phytotoxicity for the said crops. Such an amount can vary within a wide range depending on the fungus to be combated or controlled, the type of crop, the climatic conditions and the compounds included in the fungicidal composition according to the invention.

This amount can be determined by systematic field trials, which are within the capabilities of a person skilled in the art.

The method of treatment according to the present invention is useful to treat propagation material such as tubers or rhizomes, but also seeds, seedlings or seedlings pricking out and plants or plants pricking out. This method of treatment can also be useful to treat roots. The method of treatment according to the present invention can also be useful to treat the overground parts of the plant such as trunks, stems or stalks, leaves, flowers and fruits of the concerned plant.

Among the plants that can be protected by the method according to the invention, mention may be made of cotton; flax; vine; fruit crops such as Rosaceae sp. (for instance pip fruits such as apples and pears, but also stone fruits such as apricots, almonds and peaches), Ribesioidae sp., Juglandaceae sp., Betulaceae sp., Anacardiaceae sp., Fagaceae sp., Moraceae sp., Oleaceae sp., Actinidaceae sp., Lauraceae sp., Musaceae sp. (for instance banana trees and plantins), Rubiaceae sp., Theaceae sp., Sterculiceae sp., Rutaceae sp. (for instance lemons, oranges and grapefruits); leguminous crops such as Solanaceae sp. (for instance tomatoes), Liliaceae sp., Asteraceae sp. (for instance lettuces), Umbelliferae sp., Cruciferae sp., Chenopodiaceae sp., Cucurbitaceae sp., Papilionaceae sp. (for instance peas), Rosaceae sp. (for instance strawberries); big crops such as Graminae sp. (for instance maize, cereals such as wheat, rice, barley and triticale), Asteraceae sp. (for instance sunflower), Cruciferae sp. (for instance colza), Papilionaceae sp. (for instance soja), Solanaceae sp. (for instance potatoes), Chenopodiaceae sp. (for instance beetroots); horticultural and forest crops; as well as genetically modified homologues of these crops.

Among the plants and the possible diseases of these plants protected by the method according to the present invention, mention may be made of:

-   -   wheat, as regards controlling the following seed diseases:         fusaria (Microdochium nivale and Fusarium roseum), stinking smut         (Tilletia caries, Tilletia controversa or Tilletia indica),         septoria disease (Septoria nodorum) and loose smut;     -   wheat, as regards controlling the following diseases of the         aerial parts of the plant: cereal eyespot (Tapesia yallundae,         Tapesia acuiformis), take-all (Gaeumannomyces graminis), foot         blight (F. culmorum, F. graminearum), black speck (Rhizoctonia         cerealis), powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis forma specie         tritici), rusts (Puccinia striiformis and Puccinia recondita)         and septoria diseases (Septoria tritici and Septoria nodorum);     -   wheat and barley, as regards controlling bacterial and viral         diseases, for example barley yellow mosaic;     -   barley, as regards controlling the following seed diseases: net         blotch (Pyrenophora graminea, Pyrenophora teres and Cochliobolus         sativus), loose smut (Ustilago nuda) and fusaria (Microdochium         nivale and Fusarium roseum);     -   barley, as regards controlling the following diseases of the         aerial parts of the plant: cereal eyespot (Tapesia yallundae),         net blotch (Pyrenophora teres and Cochliobolus sativus), powdery         mildew (Erysiphe graminis forma specie hordei), dwarf leaf rust         (Puccinia hordei) and leaf blotch (Rhynchosporium secalis);     -   potato, as regards controlling tuber diseases (in particular         Helminthosporium solani, Phoma tuberosa, Rhizoctonia solani,         Fusarium solani), mildew (Phytopthora infestans) and certain         viruses (virus Y);     -   potato, as regards controlling the following foliage diseases:         early blight (Alternaria solani), mildew (Phytophthora         infestans);     -   cotton, as regards controlling the following diseases of young         plants grown from seeds: damping-off and collar rot (Rhizoctonia         solani, Fusarium oxysporum) and black root rot (Thielaviopsis         basicola);     -   protein yielding crops, for example peas, as regards controlling         the following seed diseases: anthracnose (Ascochyta pisi,         Mycosphaerella pinodes), fusaria (Fusarium oxysporum), grey         mould (Botrytis cinerea) and mildew (Peronospora pisi);     -   oil-bearing crops, for example rape, as regards controlling the         following seed diseases: Phoma lingam, Alternaria brassicae and         Sclerotinia sclerotiorum;     -   corn, as regards controlling seed diseases: (Rhizopus sp.,         Penicillium sp., Trichoderma sp., Aspergillus sp., and         Gibberella fujikuroi);     -   flax, as regards controlling the seed disease: Alternaria         linicola;     -   forest trees, as regards controlling damping-off (Fusarium         oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani);     -   rice, as regards controlling the following diseases of the         aerial parts: blast disease (Magnaporthe grisea), bordered         sheath spot (Rhizoctonia solani);     -   leguminous crops, as regards controlling the following diseases         of seeds or of young plants grown from seeds: damping-off and         collar rot (Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium roseum, Rhizoctonia         solani, Pythium sp.);     -   leguminous crops, as regards controlling the following diseases         of the aerial parts: grey mould (Botrytis sp.), powdery mildews         (in particular Erysiphe cichoracearum, Sphaerotheca fuliginea         and Leveillula taurica), fusaria (Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium         roseum), leaf spot (Cladosporium sp.), altemaria leaf spot         (Alternaria sp.), anthracnose (Colletotrichum sp.), septoria         leaf spot (Septoria sp.), black speck (Rhizoctonia solani),         mildews (for example Bremia lactucae, Peronospora sp.,         Pseudoperonospora sp., Phytophthora sp.);     -   fruit trees, as regards diseases of the aerial parts: monilia         disease (Monilia fructigenae, M. laxa), scab (Venturia         inaequalis), powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha);     -   vine, as regards diseases of the foliage: in particular grey         mould (Botrytis cinerea), powdery mildew (Uncinula necator),         black rot (Guignardia biwelli) and mildew (Plasmopara viticola);     -   beetroot, as regards the following diseases of the aerial parts:         cercospora blight (Cercospora beticola), powdery mildew         (Erysiphe beticola), leaf spot (Ramularia beticola).

The fungicidal composition according to the present invention may also be used against fungal diseases liable to grow on or inside timber. The term “timber” means all types of species of wood, and all types of working of this wood intended for construction, for example solid wood, high-density wood, laminated wood, and plywood. The method for treating timber according to the invention mainly consists in contacting one or more compounds of the present invention, or a composition according to the invention; this includes for example direct application, spraying, dipping, injection or any other suitable means.

The fungicidal composition according to the present invention may also be used in the treatment of genetically modified organisms with the compounds according to the invention or the agrochemical compositions according to the invention. Genetically modified plants are plants into in which genome a heterologous gene encoding a protein of interest has been stably integrated. The expression “heterologous gene encoding a protein of interest” essentially means genes which give the transformed plant new agronomic properties, or genes for improving the agronomic quality of the transformed plant.

The dose of active material usually applied in the treatment according to the present invention is generally and advantageously between 10 and 2000 g/ha, preferably between 20 and 1500 g/ha for applications in foliar treatment. The dose of active substance applied is generally and advantageously between 1 and 200 g per 100 kg of seed, preferably between 2 and 150 g per 100 kg of seed in the case of seed treatment. It is clearly understood that the doses indicated above are given as illustrative examples of the invention. A person skilled in the art will know how to adapt the application doses according to the nature of the crop to be treated.

The compositions according to the present invention may also be used fore the preparation of composition useful to curatively or preventively treat human and animal fungal diseases such as, for example, mycoses, dermatoses, trichophyton diseases and candidiases or diseases caused by Aspergillus spp. or Candida spp., for example Aspergillus fumigatus or Candida albicans respectively.

The present invention will now be illustrated with the following example:

EXAMPLE 1 Efficacy against Botrytis cinerea of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and mancozeb

The formulated compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Gherkin plants (Petit vert de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 18-20° C., are treated at the cotyledon Z11 stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by depositing drops of an aqueous suspension of Botrytis cinerea spores (150,000 spores per ml) on upper surface of the leaves. The spores are collected from a 15-day-old culture and are suspended in a nutrient solution composed of:

-   -   20 g/L of gelatine     -   50 g/L of cane sugar     -   2 g/L of NH4NO3     -   1 g/L of KH2PO4

The contaminated gherkin plants are settled for 5/7 days in a climatic room at 15-11° C. (day/night) and at 80% relative humidity. Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 5 to 7 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and mancozeb alone and in different weight ratio mixtures.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 37 50 — 111 70 — Mancozeb 1000 0 — Compound 1 + mancozeb 111 + 1000 85 +15 (Ratio 1:9) Compound 1 + mancozeb  37 + 1000 70 +20 (Ratio 1:27)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 2 Efficacy against Botrytis cinerea of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and propineb

The formulated compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration. Gherkin plants (Petit vert de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 18-20° C., are treated at the cotyledon Z11 stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by depositing drops of an aqueous suspension of Botrytis cinerea spores (150,000 spores per ml) on upper surface of the leaves. The spores are collected from a 15-day-old culture and are suspended in a nutrient solution composed of:

-   -   20 g/L of gelatine     -   50 g/L of cane sugar     -   2 g/L of NH4NO3     -   1 g/L of KH2PO4

The contaminated gherkin plants are settled for 5/7 days in a climatic room at 15-11° C. (day/night) and at 80% relative humidity. Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 5 to 7 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and propineb alone and in different weight ratio mixtures.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 37 65 — 111 87 — Propineb 3000 0 — Compound 1 + propineb 111 + 3000 100 +13 (Ratio 1:27) Compound 1 + propineb  37 + 3000 85 +20 (Ratio 1:81)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 3 Efficacy against Puccinia recondita of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and captan

The active ingredients tested are prepared by potter homogenisation in a mixture of acetone/tween/water. This suspension is then diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Wheat plants (Scipion variety) in starter cups, sown on 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 12° C., are treated at the 1-leaf stage (10 cm tall) by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above.

Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by spraying the leaves with an aqueous suspension of Puccinia recondita spores (100,000 spores per ml). The spores are collected from a 10-day-old contaminated wheat and are suspended in water containing 2.5 ml/l of tween 80 10%. The contaminated wheat plants are incubated for 24 hours at 20° C. and at 100% relative humidity, and then for 10 days at 20° C. and at 70% relative humidity. Grading is carried out 10 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and captan alone and in different weight ratio mixtures.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 125 0 — 250 10 — Captan 125 0 — 250 0 — 500 10 — Compound 1 + captan 125 + 125 80 +80 (Ratio 1:1) 250 + 250 90 +80 Compound 1 + captan 250 + 500 98 +88 (Ratio 1:2)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 4 Efficacy against Botrytis cinerea of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and folpet

The formulated compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration. Gherkin plants (Petit vert de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 18-20° C., are treated at the cotyledon Z11 stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by depositing drops of an aqueous suspension of Botrytis cinerea spores (150,000 spores per ml) on upper surface of the leaves. The spores are collected from a 15-day-old culture and are suspended in a nutrient solution composed of:

-   -   20 g/L of gelatine     -   50 g/L of cane sugar     -   2 g/L of NH4NO3     -   1 g/L of KH2PO4

The contaminated gherkin plants are settled for 5/7 days in a climatic room at 15-11° C. (day/night) and at 80% relative humidity. Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 5 to 7 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and folpet alone and in different weight ratio mixtures.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 37 50 — 111 70 — Folpet 333 0 — 1000 0 — Compound 1 + folpet 111 + 3000 100 +30 (Ratio 1:3) Compound 1 + folpet 111 + 1000 100 +30 (Ratio 1:9) 37 + 333 100 +50 Compound 1 + folpet  37 + 1000 100 +50 (Ratio 1:27)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 5 Efficacy against Botrytis cinerea of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and iprodione

The formulated compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration. Gherkin plants (Petit vert de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 18-20° C., are treated at the cotyledon Z11 stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by depositing drops of an aqueous suspension of Botrytis cinerea spores (150,000 spores per ml) on upper surface of the leaves. The spores are collected from a 15-day-old culture and are suspended in a nutrient solution composed of:

-   -   20 g/L of gelatine     -   50 g/L of cane sugar     -   2 g/L of NH4NO3     -   1 g/L of KH2PO4

The contaminated gherkin plants are settled for 5/7 days in a climatic room at 15-11° C. (day/night) and at 80% relative humidity. Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 5 to 7 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and iprodione alone and in different weight ratio mixtures.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 37 0 — Iprodione 37 0 — 111 90 — Compound 1 + iprodione 37 + 37  48 +48 (Ratio 1:1) Compound 1 + iprodione 37 + 111 100 +10 (Ratio 1:3)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 6 Efficacy against Botrytis cinerea of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and fludioxonil

The active ingredients tested are prepared by potter homogenisation in a mixture of acetone/tween/water. This suspension is then diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Gherkin plants (Petit vert de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 18-20° C., are treated at the cotyledon Z11 stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by depositing drops of an aqueous suspension of Botrytis cinerea spores (150,000 spores per ml) on upper surface of the leaves. The spores are collected from a 15-day-old culture and are suspended in a nutrient solution composed of:

-   -   20 g/L of gelatine     -   50 g/L of cane sugar     -   2 g/L of NH4NO3     -   1 g/L of KH2PO4

The contaminated gherkin plants are settled for 5/7 days in a climatic room at 15-11° C. (day/night) and at 80% relative humidity. Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 5 to 7 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and fludioxonil alone and in different weight ratio mixtures.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 12.3 0 — 37 38 — Fludioxonil 4.1 0 — Compound 1 + fludioxonil   37 + 4.1 100 +62 (Ratio 9:1) Compound 1 + fludioxonil 12.3 + 4.1 100 +90 (Ratio 3:1)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 7 Efficacy against Botrytis cinerea of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and benalaxyl

The active ingredients tested are prepared by potter homogenisation in a mixture of acetone/tween/water. This suspension is then diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Gherkin plants (Petit vert de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 18-20° C., are treated at the cotyledon Z11 stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by depositing drops of an aqueous suspension of Botrytis cinerea spores (150,000 spores per ml) on upper surface of the leaves. The spores are collected from a 15-day-old culture and are suspended in a nutrient solution composed of:

-   -   20 g/L of gelatine     -   50 g/L of cane sugar     -   2 g/L of NH4NO3     -   1 g/L of KH2PO4

The contaminated gherkin plants are settled for 5/7 days in a climatic room at 15-11° C. (day/night) and at 80% relative humidity. Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 5 to 7 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and benalaxyl alone and in a 1:3 weight ratio mixture.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 37 78 — Benalaxyl 111 7 — Compound 1 + benalaxyl 37 + 111 98 +18 (Ratio 1:3)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 8 Efficacy against Botrytis cinerea of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and metalaxyl-M

The active ingredients tested are prepared by potter homogenisation in a mixture of acetone/tween/water. This suspension is then diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Gherkin plants (Petit vert de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 18-20° C., are treated at the cotyledon Z11 stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by depositing drops of an aqueous suspension of Botrytis cinerea spores (150,000 spores per ml) on upper surface of the leaves. The spores are collected from a 15-day-old culture and are suspended in a nutrient solution composed of:

-   -   20 g/L of gelatine     -   50 g/L of cane sugar     -   2 g/L of NH4NO3     -   1 g/L of KH2PO4

The contaminated gherkin plants are settled for 5/7 days in a climatic room at 15-11° C. (day/night) and at 80% relative humidity. Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 5 to 7 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and metalaxyl-M alone and in a 1:3 weight ratio mixture.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 37 45 — Metalaxyl-M 111 0 — Compound 1 + metalaxyl-M 37 + 111 77 +32 (Ratio 1:3)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 9 Efficacy against Botrytis cinerea of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and propamocarb-HCl

The formulated compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Gherkin plants (Petit vert de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 18-20° C., are treated at the cotyledon Z11 stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by depositing drops of an aqueous suspension of Botrytis cinerea spores (150,000 spores per ml) on upper surface of the leaves. The spores are collected from a 15-day-old culture and are suspended in a nutrient solution composed of:

-   -   20 g/L of gelatine     -   50 g/L of cane sugar     -   2 g/L of NH4NO3     -   1 g/L of KH2PO4

The contaminated gherkin plants are settled for 5/7 days in a climatic room at 15-11° C. (day/night) and at 80% relative humidity. Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 5 to 7 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and propamocarb-HCl alone and in a 1:9 weight ratio mixture.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 111 70 — Popamocarb-HCl 1000 0 — Compound 1 + 111 + 1000 100 +30 propamocarb-HCl (Ratio 1:9)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 10 Efficacy against Botrytis cinerea of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and fosetyl-Al

The formulated compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Gherkin plants (Petit vert de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 18-20° C., are treated at the cotyledon Z11 stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by depositing drops of an aqueous suspension of Botrytis cinerea spores (150,000 spores per ml) on upper surface of the leaves. The spores are collected from a 15-day-old culture and are suspended in a nutrient solution composed of:

-   -   20 g/L of gelatine     -   50 g/L of cane sugar     -   2 g/L of NH4NO3     -   1 g/L of KH2PO4

The contaminated gherkin plants are settled for 5/7 days in a climatic room at 15-11° C. (day/night) and at 80% relative humidity. Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 5 to 7 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and fosetyl-Al alone and in a 1:9 weight ratio mixture.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 111 70 — Fosetyl-Al 1000 0 — Compound 1 + fosetyl-Al 111 + 1000 85 +15 (Ratio 1:9)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 11 Efficacy against Sphaerotheca fuliginea of a composition containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and tolylfluanid

The formulated compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Gherkin plants (Vert petit de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 20° C./23° C., are treated at the 2-leaves stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by spraying them with an aqueous suspension of Sphaerotheca fuliginea spores (100,000 spores per ml). The spores are collected from a contaminated plants The contaminated gerkhin plants are incubated at about 20° C./25° C. and at 60/70% relative humidity.

Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 21 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and tolylfluanid alone and in different weight ratio mixtures.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 4.1 69 — Tolylfluanid 12.3 0 37 50 — Compound 1 + tolylfluanid 4.1 + 12.3 100 +31 (Ratio 1:3) Compound 1 + tolylfluanid 4.1 + 37   100 +15 (Ratio 1:9)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 12 Efficacy against Peronospora parasitica of a composition containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and 2,6-dichloro-N-{[3-chloro-5-(tri-fluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]methyl}benzamide (Compound A)

The active ingredient tested is prepared by potter homogenisation in a concentrated suspension type formulation at 100 g/l. This suspension is then diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Cabbage plants (Eminence variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 18-20° C., are treated at the cotyledon stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above.

Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by spraying them with an aqueous suspension of Peronospora parasitica spores (50,000 spores per ml). The spores are collected from infected plant.

The contaminated cabbage plants are incubated for 5 days at 20° C., under a humid atmosphere.

Grading is carried out 5 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and compound A alone and in a 1:1 weight ratio mixture.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 12.3 0 — Compound A 12.3 40 — Compound 1 + compound A 12.3 + 12.3 65 +25 (Ratio 1:1)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 13 Efficacy against Sphaerotheca fuliginea of a composition containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and iprovalicarb

The formulated compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Gherkin plants (Vert petit de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 20° C./23° C., are treated at the 2-leaves stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by spraying them with an aqueous suspension of Sphaerotheca fuliginea spores (100 000 spores per ml). The spores are collected from a contaminated plants The contaminated gerkhin plants are incubated at about 20° C./25° C. and at 60/70% relative humidity.

Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 21 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and iprovalicarb alone and in a 1:9 weight ratio mixture.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 12.3 65 — Iprovalicarb 111 50 Compound 1 + iprovalicarb 4.1 + 37 98 +16 (Ratio 1:9)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 14 Efficacy against Erysiphe graminis f. sp. tritici of a composition containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and chlorothalonil

The formulated compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration

Wheat plants (Audace variety) in starter cups, sown on 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 12° C., are treated at the 1-leaf stage (10 cm tall) by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above.

Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by dusting them with Erysiphe graminis f. sp. tritici spores, the dusting being carried out using diseased plants.

Grading is carried out 7 to 14 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and chlorothalonil alone and in different weight ratio mixtures.

Dose Synergism (g/ha) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 250 30 — 500 60 — Chlorothalonil 250  0 — Compound 1 + chlorothalonil 250 + 250 75 +45 (Ratio 1:1) Compound 1 + chlorothalonil 500 + 250 80 +20 (Ratio 2:1)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed. 

1. A composition comprising: a) a pyridylethylbenzamide derivative selected from the group consisting of: N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide; N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-iodobenzamide; and N-{2-[3,5-dichloro-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide; and the N-oxides of 2-pyridine thereof; and b) a compound capable of inhibiting the spores germination or mycelium growth by acting on different metabolic routes; in an (a)/(b) weight ratio of from 0.01 to
 20. 2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the compound of general formula (I) is N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide.
 3. The composition of claim 1 wherein the compound capable of inhibiting the spores germination or mycelium growth by acting on different metabolic routes is a dicarboximide derivative.
 4. The composition of claim 3 wherein the dicarboximide derivative is selected from the group consisting of chlozolinate, iprodione, procymidone and vinclozolin.
 5. The composition of claim 1 wherein the compound capable of inhibiting the spores germination or mycelium growth by acting on different metabolic routes is a phthalimide derivative.
 6. The composition of claim 5 wherein the phthalimide derivative is selected from the group consisting of captafol, captan, folpet and thiochlorfenphim.
 7. The composition of claim 1 wherein the compound capable of inhibiting the spores germination or mycelium growth by acting on different metabolic routes is selected from the group consisting of: 2-butoxy-6-iodo-3-propyl-benzopyran-4-one, 2,6-dichloro-N-{[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]methyl}benzamide, (Z)-N-[.alpha.-(cyclopropylmethoxyimino)-2,3-difluoro-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]-2-phenylacetamide, (RS)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-[3-methoxy-4-(prop-2-ynyloxy)phenethyl]-2-(prop-2-ynyloxy)acetamide, 6-iodo-2-propoxy-3-propylquinazolin-4(3H)-one, benalaxyl, benthiavalicarb, chlorothalonil, copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride, copper sulfate, copper sulfate (tribasic), cuprous oxide, cymoxanil, diclomezine, dichlofluanid, dithianon, dimethomorph, dodine, ethaboxam, fenpiclonil, fentin, ferbam, fluazinam, fludioxonil, flusulfamide, guazatine, iminoctadine, mancopper, mancozeb, maneb, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M, metiram, methasulfocarb, nabam, nickel bis(dimethyldithiocarbamate), iprovalicarb, oxine-copper, propamocarb, propineb, quinoxyfen, sulfur, silthiofam, thiram, tolylfluanid, triazoxide, validmaycin, zineb, ziram, phosphorous acid and fosetyl-Al.
 8. The composition of claim 1 further comprising a fungicidal compound (c).
 9. The composition of claim 8 wherein the fungicidal compound (c) is selected from the group consisting of diethofencarb, hexaconazole, cyprodinil, tebuconazole and bromuconazole.
 10. The composition of claim 1 further comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of agriculturally acceptable supports, carriers, fillers, and surfactants.
 11. A composition comprising: a) N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide and b) a compound capable of inhibiting the spores germination or mycelium growth by acting on different metabolic routes selected from the group consisting of chlozolinate, iprodione, procymidone, vinclozolin, captafol, captan, folpet, thiochlorfenphim, 2-butoxy-6-iodo-3-propyl-benzopyran-4-one, 2,6-dichloro-N-{[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]methyl}benzamide, (Z)-N[.alpha.-(cyclopropylmethoxyimino)-2,3-difluoro-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]-2-phenylacetamide, (RS)-2-(4-chlorophenyl)-N[3-methoxy-4-(prop-2-ynyloxy)phenethyl]-2-(prop-2-ynyloxy)acetamide, 6-iodo-2-propoxy-3-propylquinazolin-4(3H)-one, benalaxyl, benthiavalicarb, chlorothalonil, copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride, copper sulfate, copper sulfate (tribasic), cuprous oxide, cymoxanil, diclomezine, dichlofluanid, dithianon, dimethomorph, dodine, ethaboxam, fenpiclonil, fentin, ferbam, fluazinam, fludioxonil, flusulfamide, guazatine, iminoctadine, mancopper, mancozeb, maneb, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M, metiram, methasulfocarb, nabam, nickel bis(dimethyldithiocarbamate), iprovalicarb, oxine-copper, propamocarb, propineb, quinoxyfen, sulfur, silthiofam, thiram, tolylfluanid, triazoxide, validmaycin, zineb, ziram, phosphorous acid and fosetyl-Al; in an (a)/(b) weight ratio of from 0.01 to
 20. 12. A method for controlling phytopathogenic fungi of crops, characterised in that an effective and non-phytotoxic amount of a composition according to claim 1 is applied to the seed, the plant and/or to the fruit of the plant or to the soil in which the plant is growing or in which it is desired to grow. 